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The report identifies non-hardware balance of system costs, which can reach 40% of installed system costs, as a significant barrier to rooftop solar adoption. It recommends the adoption of standardized frameworks such as the Solar ABCs Expedited Permit Process for permitting, the IREC Model Interconnection Procedures for grid connection, and the NNEC design criteria for net metering. The document highlights Colorado as a leader in solar-friendly policies, citing the Fair Permit Act's fee caps and the state's removal of net metering capacity limits for systems up to 120% of annual on-site consumption.

The report outlines a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the Cuyahoga Valley by treating environmental restoration as an economic driver. It proposes specific interventions for the 5.5-mile ship channel, including the implementation of low-impact development (LID) for stormwater, the creation of aquatic habitats like pocket wetlands and green bulkheads, and the establishment of an industrial symbiosis network called 'Waste = Revenue'. The document argues that moving away from traditional 'gray' infrastructure toward 'green' solutions will improve water quality, attract investment, and create new local business opportunities in restoration services.

The document argues that urban agriculture (UA) provides a pathway to community resilience by improving food security, creating jobs, and reducing environmental impact. It highlights the transition of Nazeer Sonday from intensive hydroponic tomato farming to a regenerative polyculture system at Vegkop Polyculture Farm in Philippi. By implementing practices such as no-till, mulching, and crop rotation, the farm increased its soil organic content (SOC) from 0.5% to 2% and expanded its crop variety from one to approximately thirty. The case study emphasizes that regenerative practices mitigate economic risks, such as the 2008 spike in potassium nitrate fertiliser prices, and reduce dependence on costly synthetic inputs. It also notes the role of co-operatives and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in helping small-scale farmers access larger markets and ensure sustainable production.

The report argues that corporate housing investment, particularly by private equity firms seeking high returns on short timelines, leads to rent increases, maintenance neglect, and instability for tenants. It proposes a toolkit of regulatory measures: landlord registries to uncover beneficial ownership behind shell LLCs, licensing systems to potentially cap the number of properties owned by a single entity, and proactive inspections to ensure habitability before occupancy. The document highlights Minneapolis's use of licensing to force corporate landlord Progress Residential to adopt strict tenant safety and maintenance conditions, and Toronto's use of a registration and grading system for rental properties.

The document is an appendix listing private equity ownership of healthcare providers in Philadelphia. It categorizes companies by service type—such as physical therapy, behavioral health, and dental care—and identifies the associated private equity firms and the count of their local facilities.

The report argues that state preemption—where state law supersedes local ordinances—is frequently used to block municipal efforts to regulate corporate landlords, particularly private equity firms. It highlights that while 'home-rule' states offer more local autonomy than 'Dillon's rule' states, state governments can still override local housing policies. Using examples from California, Florida, and Illinois, the document demonstrates how preemption limits rent control, eviction protections, and inclusionary zoning, often influenced by corporate lobbying. The authors conclude that housing advocates must focus on state-level legislative changes and coalition building to abrogate these preemptions.

The document details how a warming climate will increase the frequency and severity of heat waves and heavy precipitation in the Midwest, leading to higher mortality, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses. It highlights specific risks to the Great Lakes shipping industry due to falling water levels and the threat to public health from water-borne diseases and combined sewer overflows in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.

Since 1970, the Northeast has seen an average temperature increase of 2°F, leading to longer growing seasons and reduced snowpack. Future high-emissions scenarios project further warming, significant reductions in winter snow seasons, and increased frequency of extreme heat and flooding. These changes threaten the dairy and fruit industries, particularly cranberries, and risk substantial damage to coastal infrastructure in cities like New York and Boston. Additionally, the region's $7.6 billion winter recreation industry and specific fisheries, such as cod and lobster, face disruption due to warming waters and reduced snow cover.

The document explains how the 'direct pay' (elective pay) provision of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act allows tax-exempt entities, such as local governments, nonprofits, and tribal nations, to receive federal clean energy tax credits as cash payments. It highlights that WRI and partners have assisted 27 local governments in filing for credits, with participants claiming at least 840 projects for their 2023 tax years, averaging $308,739 in benefits per government. Case studies illustrate the use of these funds for solar arrays in Buncombe County, NC, EV charging in Chattanooga, TN, electric vehicle fleets in Philadelphia, PA, and wastewater infrastructure in Pateros, WA.

The PJM Cities and Communities Coalition (PJMCCC) submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the establishment of the Office of Public Participation (OPP). The coalition advocates for the unique role of cities as stakeholders and urges FERC to prioritize resources for environmental justice groups, frontline communities, and tribal organizations to ensure equitable energy market outcomes.